Creating a world-class Central Station

Release Date: 1/02/2017

As Sydney grapples with the challenge of urban renewal across many Sydney precincts, international planning, design and community service experts will come together at Sydney’s second Midtown Forum to discuss the challenges and opportunities of the southern CBD driven by NSW Government’s proposed redevelopment of Central Station.

Hosted by the Sydney Business Chamber, Committee for Sydney and NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), the Forum will bring leading public and private sector professionals to UTS to examine the unique opportunity of this exciting project.

Sydney Business Chamber Executive Director Patricia Forsythe said the aim of the Forum was to examine ideas, including lessons from overseas, about the Central Station precinct to ensure future development enabled Sydney to position itself as a global employment hub whilst at the same time not losing its goal to be a liveable city for all.

In addition, while there is significant construction occurring across greater Sydney, both government and business need to start planning the next wave of projects.

“Central Station is one of the major the gateways to Sydney so this precinct needs to capitalise on Sydney’s economic success by providing additional commercial, residential and public space, as well as a world-class transport solution.

“We need to get this right from the beginning and make sure this precinct is one for all Sydneysiders,” Mrs Forsythe said.

Committee for Sydney Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Williams said, “Sydney is undergoing a dramatic transformation that will support the economic growth of the city and benefit its long-term prosperity.

“Midtown is a key part of this transformation and a tremendous opportunity to create a gateway to the CBD, unlocking growth and implementing world-class public transport connectivity and the potential for dense, vibrant communities around it,” he said.

Providing an international perspective will be Denver Director of Transportation and Mobility, Crissy Fanganello.

The redevelopment of Denver Union Station (DUS) is recognised globally as one of the most successful urban renewal projects. It has established a high benchmark for the procurement and delivery of not only an engineering transport solution, but also a precinct development that has provided significant public amenity for the citizens of Denver.

“The transformation of Denver Union Station was one of, if not the most, critical redevelopments in Denver. In just a few years DUS changed from a place void of people to a vibrant hallmark of our community,” Ms Fanganello said.

Media are invited to attend and interviews with international and local speakers can be arranged.